by Barbara Goss
Thea addressed Vera, Wyatt, and Jack. “I have some hot water on the stove. Let’s have some tea and get acquainted.”
“The house smells great,” Vera said as she escorted the men into the kitchen. "What have you been cooking?”
“The usual: salt-rising bread, vinegar pies, dried apple pies, and the—”
Vera gasped, “You didn’t forget to age the plum pudding, did you?”
Thea smiled. “I took care of it. Sam’s promised to shoot our main course on Christmas Eve, maybe a deer or pheasant.”
Vera looked around the large, homey kitchen. “Ah, it’s so good to be home for Christmas. Everything looks the same.”
Thea seated them around the table and poured the tea. She put a plate of sugar cookies out on the table. “Now, Vera, you must remember, you’re a guest now. You aren’t to do a stick of work or find anything that isn’t perfect. Understood?” She winked as if to soften her words.
Wyatt spoke up. “I promised to keep her in line, Thea.”
“Oh, bless you, Wyatt.”
Vera smiled and took a bite out of a cookie. “Hmm ... who made these? They’re tasty.”
“Georgia. And Celeste frosted them.”
Vera chuckled. “That’s a miracle. I could never get Celeste to do anything in the kitchen.”
“The girls all have jobs, and it will make them better wives when the time comes. The boys do the heavier work outside.”
Vera realized her sister was right. She should have delegated some work to give the children the experience. It had taken living far away from them for a few months to realize it, though.
“You’ve done a fantastic job, Thea.”
The looks exchanged between Thea and Jack didn’t go unnoticed by Vera. Could a romance for them be possible? Then she remembered they’d only be staying until New Year’s. It wasn’t enough time for anything to bloom, but she could always invite Thea to Kansas.
Finnian ran into the kitchen, his eyes lit up like a lantern. “Sam put the tree up. Come and see it.”
Everyone got up to see the tree. Scrawny and a bit crooked as it was, it looked wonderful. Portia was putting a chain of paper dolls around the tree. Celeste sat with shears making snowflakes while Uma tried to reach the top to place a star she’d made from paper. Wyatt lifted her up to give her a boost.
“In England I’ve heard they put candles on the trees,” Jack said, speaking for the first time.
“Oh, dear,” Thea said, “isn’t that dangerous?”
“I’m not sure,” he said. “I think the people who can afford them have servants to watch them closely.”
“Have you been to England?” Thea asked.
“No, but I read a lot.”
“Do you?”
Jack nodded.
“I love to read. I have a bookcase upstairs if you’d care to browse through the books.”
“I’d like that.”
Thea led Jack up the wooden stairs.
Vera gave Wyatt a nudge, and they smiled.
Before bedtime, Thea took Vera aside. “Will our parents’ bedroom be all right for you and Wyatt?”
Vera sighed. “Is the settee still in there?”
“Yes, why do you ask?”
Vera felt herself blush. “I just wondered.”
“You do sleep together, don’t you?”
Vera hedged. “Not yet. We’re working on it.”
“Why didn’t you say so? What’s taking so long?”
“We’re still getting used to each other. I can tell it won’t be long.”
“Do you get along well?”
“Oh, yes. We’re quite fond of each other. Like I said, it won’t be long. I’m the one holding out, if you must know. I find it hard to ... encourage without feeling like a loose woman.”
“He’s your husband! He’d never think you loose, especially after four months.”
“Three and a half.”
“Oh, that isn’t good at all. You need to encourage him.”
“I don’t know how to do that.”
Thea held her temples as if praying for wisdom. “I’ve never had a beau, and I’ve no clue about these things, but I can guess. When you’re sitting beside him, move closer. Put your head on his shoulder ... for goodness’ sake, do something!”
“I’ve wanted to, but I could just never bring myself to do that.”
Thea shook her finger at Vera. “Get it done! Make it a Christmas gift!”
“Oh, Thea! How I wish I had the nerve to do that.”
Chapter Eight
Vera honestly couldn’t find fault with anything. Thea was doing a great job. The house was old but spotless. The children had decorated, and it made the house warm and cozy. She could feel the Christmas spirit the minute she walked into the house. The sights and smells brought back all the memories of past holidays.
Now, if she could only get through her first night sleeping in the same room with her husband, she’d feel relieved.
Vera and Wyatt walked into the bedroom and to find that someone had set their valises down on the floor. The fireplace was blazing, and the room danced with the reflection of the fire. The double bed seemed even smaller in Vera’s eyes than she’d remembered it. The dresser had a clean crocheted doily on it and a small lamp that had been lit. Near the fireplace was the red velvet settee.
Neither of them spoke at first. Finally Vera said, “I’ll sleep on the settee.”
“I’d argue with you, but I don’t think I’d fit on it.” He walked over and looked at it closer. “I should offer. I could always let my feet hang over the sides.”
“No, you take the bed. You’re the guest. I won’t have it any other way.”
Wyatt thought for a moment and then said, “How about if we take turns? You can sleep there tonight and I’ll take a turn tomorrow.”
“What about your feet?”
“I’ll curl up. Don’t worry about it. I’ve slept in smaller spaces in my life.” Wyatt looked around the room. “So, is this where you and your siblings were conceived?”
Vera nodded and touched the bed gently. “Yes. No one has slept here since they died.”
“Does it bother you to sleep here?”
“No. I think that, as I’m the oldest in the family, my parents would like that we’re sharing it.”
Wyatt walked to the door. “How about I walk down to the outhouse while you get into your nightclothes?”
“That would be perfect,” Vera said.
After he’d gone, Vera undressed and pulled her flannel nightgown on fast as a wink, fearing he’d come back and catch her undressed. She grabbed the blanket that had been folded on the bottom of the bed and made herself comfortable on the settee. It really was comfortable and very warm as it was so close to the fire.
She was thankful she’d used the outhouse before going upstairs. She’d die of embarrassment if she had to use the chamber pot in front of Wyatt. Would she ever be comfortable using one of those things in front of him?
Wyatt came in and turned off the small lamp. She heard the rustle of clothing and then she heard him climb into the bed.
“The bed is very comfortable. How’s the settee?” he asked.
“Nice and warm.”
“Are you tired?”
“Yes, but I’m wound up. It was an exciting day.”
“We could talk a little if that will help you unwind.”
“I’d like that.”
Wyatt said, “I like your family. What great siblings you have.”
“I’m afraid I didn’t take the time to enjoy them when I was here. I took it upon myself to work around the clock and run the house like an army camp. I was so wrong.”
“You did what you thought best. I worry that you’ll love it here so much you won’t want to come back to Kansas with me.”
“Oh, Wyatt, never. I love our farm and our life there.”
“Do you?” Vera heard him sigh. “I’m glad.”
That’s all Vera remembered until morn
ing.
It was only two days before Christmas, and Vera knew she had to make a move to let Wyatt know she was ready to become a real wife. She felt herself growing closer to him each day. Seeing him interact with her family so easily made her heart throb with her fondness for him.
The tree had been decorated beautifully, and the children sat near it every chance they got. Thea had hung their stockings around the fireplace and you could feel the excitement grow until it was nearly palpable.
Thea said they’d all go to church on Christmas and exchange gifts upon returning home.
Vera walked into the sitting room and looked up at the lamp suspended from the ceiling. “What in the world is that, Thea?” She pointed to a plant-like object hanging from the lamp.
“Why, Vera, that’s mistletoe.”
Vera felt herself blush. “Take it down,” she whispered.
“No. Uma’s girlfriend, Roxy, gave it to us. It’s a part of Christmas.”
“Well, you won’t find me standing under it.”
Thea said, “Tsk, tsk, what a shame.”
After her chat with Thea, Vera promised herself to be more receptive to Wyatt. That evening as they sat around the sitting room singing carols, she rested her head on Wyatt’s shoulder and waited for his response. She pretended she was tired, but she felt wound up like a grandfather clock.
He pulled his arm out from between them and put it around her shoulders sending tingles up and down her spine.
“Tired?” he asked.
Vera nodded with her eyes closed.
He whispered in her ear, “We can go upstairs now if you’d like.”
She shook her head. “Not yet. I love listening to the children singing.”
She felt Wyatt’s hand squeeze her closer and imagined that Thea was thinking it was about time, but she kept her eyes closed and listened to the sweet singing.
Once upstairs in their room, Wyatt suggested something that both thrilled and scared Vera.
“There’s no reason we can’t share the bed, Vera. We are married.”
Vera supposed the shocked look on her face was what had caused him to add, “I’ll roll up the spare blanket and put it between us. It’ll be fine.”
She scolded herself for being so surprised at his suggestion. Vera had to show him that she was as anxious as he to make the marriage real, so she nodded.
After Wyatt had left the room, she slipped on her nightgown, crawled to the far corner of the double bed, and said her prayers, asking God to help her be more willing.
Wyatt came in, folded the spare blanket lengthwise, and placed it down the middle of the bed. “Are you asleep?” he asked softly.
“No.” She turned to face him, but he’d turned the lamp off and she could only see his shadow with the fire behind him.
He crawled into bed and sighed. “Now, this is nice.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
“It’s almost perfect,” he said.
Vera built up the nerve to say, “Thank you for your patience with me.”
“Our situation is unusual, and I understand. Someday we’ll laugh about this.”
Vera said, “Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve already. Our time here is going fast.”
“I’d offer to stay longer, but Clay’s minding two farms, and I’d hate to stick him with the extra work for too long.”
“I don’t mind leaving. Maybe someday the children could visit us in Kansas. We have plenty of room.”
“Vera, that’s a wonderful idea. Maybe we’ll have them for next Christmas.”
“I’d love that.”
“Your voice sounds tired.”
“I am. Goodnight, Wyatt.” Vera turned to face the wall. The bed squeaked as Wyatt rolled over to face the fire.
Vera awoke to find Wyatt’s arm across her waist. She was facing him in bed, so she could tell he was still asleep. Where his arm touched her, it sent a shot of warmth through her. She watched his face as he slept, feeling the urge to kiss him or stroke his face, but she knew she didn’t have that much courage. Still, if she didn’t make some moves soon…
She continued to watch him sleep.
Finally, his eyes peered back at her. “Good morning, Mrs. Stone.”
“Good morning.”
He removed his arm and sat up. “Look—it’s snowing.”
Vera turned to look at the window. The frost had filled the bottom half, and she could only see the flakes through the top portion. “So, it is.”
“I’m getting out of bed, so if you are the least bit shy, you’ll turn around.” He laughed.
Vera flipped quickly over to face the wall and window. She heard him dressing.
“I’m going downstairs. I promised Sam I’d go hunting with him. We’re hoping to bag a deer, but we’ll come home with something for dinner.”
“Good luck!” she called.
True to his word, Sam, Wyatt, and Jack came home carrying a duck and two pheasants which they handed over to Thea to dress. “Oh, they look nice and plump. Good job, fellas,” she said.
Wyatt sat across the table from Vera who was drinking tea. “I had a good shot at a deer, but he was so beautiful, none of us had the heart to kill him. He had a rack this big.” Wyatt spread his arms wide to illustrate.
As she plucked feathers from the birds, Thea said, “I prefer the birds. The deer would have taken so much longer to prepare.” She yelled out to the children. “Celeste, Georgia, and Uma— we have plucking to do.”
“I’ll help,” Vera offered.
“No, I want you, Portia, Finnian, and Perry to bring the gifts down and put them under our beautiful tree. Tell the children again how St. Nicholas will fill their stockings tonight. They love that story you always tell them on Christmas Eve, Vera.”
Thea looked at the men. “Sam, Wyatt, and Jack—we’ll need the firewood chopped and brought in, then we can all relax and enjoy the beef stew I’ve made.”
“Did you make the biscuits?” Vera asked.
“Georgia and I made them first thing this morning. What’s stew without biscuits?”
Vera smiled at her sister. “I’m so proud of you.”
Chapter Nine
Vera and the children arranged the gifts under the tree. Now, the room looked truly like Christmas.
“There are so many this year!” Portia cried.
“Vera, I didn’t wrap mine. I don’t know how,” Perry said.
“You’re seven years old and you can’t wrap a gift?” Vera said. “I think it’s time you learned. Come upstairs and I’ll show you.”
Vera used extra pieces of the red, green, and gold material, and she showed Perry how to wrap a few of his gifts. “Think you can do it now on your own?”
“Yes. It’s easier with cloth than paper,” he said. “The paper always rips on me.”
“And you tie a nice bow.”
“Vera,” Perry said, “I didn’t get Wyatt a gift because I didn’t know what to get someone I haven’t met.”
“He loves to read. He loves animals, and he wouldn’t care if you didn’t give him a gift. He’s a very understanding man.”
“He likes books?” Perry clapped his hands together. “I’ll make him a bookmarker.”
“Wyatt would love that.”
Vera left the room. She’d quite forgotten how sweet little Perry was. He’d grown up so fast; she hoped he’d like the hat and scarf she knit him.
Vera came downstairs to the thumping of feet. “Goodness, is that a herd of elephants coming in?” The men stomped snow from their shoes on the large woolen rug by the door.
“It’s snowing leopards and coyotes out there,” Sam said.
“Oh, dear! I hope we can make it to church in the morning.” Vera helped the men shed their winter coats and scarfs. She noted how thin Wyatt’s scarf was. She wished she could tell him that in a few more hours, he’d have a nice, big, fluffy scarf to keep him warm.
“Come in by the fire and I’ll bring you all some hot tea,” Vera said. She watched Wy
att glance at the tree as he warmed his hands by the fire.
“Look at all the presents,” Wyatt said. “I’ve never seen so many under a tree before. We had a small family, just myself and my older brother, Clay. It will really be fun tomorrow. I can hardly wait.”
Sam said, “We’ve never had this many before, but now our family is even bigger.”
Thea walked into the room. “And now, with Wyatt and Vera married, our family will grow larger yet.”
Vera came in, carrying the tea tray. She blushed when she heard Thea’s words.
“Are you going to have a baby?” Portia asked loudly.
Vera felt her blush deepen. “No, sweetie, but God will bless us someday.”
Portia looked disappointed. “Can we each open one gift tonight?”
Thea laughed. “No, we need to learn patience, Portia. After church tomorrow.”
“What if we can’t get to church because of the snow?” Portia asked.
“Then we’ll see,” Thea laughed.
The family gathered in the sitting room, the children on the floor, the adults on the settee and chairs. The fire crackled in the fireplace, and the tree sparkled with handmade ornaments. Wyatt sat beside Vera with his arm around her. She thought this had to be the best Christmas Eve ever.
Thea clapped her hands. “It’s too quiet. What should we sing?”
Uma said, “’Silent Night?’”
“How appropriate.” Thea laughed. “Sam, can you start, and we’ll join in? You have such a lovely singing voice.”
They continued to sing song after song until the children’s eyes began to droop.
“You know,” Vera said, “St. Nick won’t stop to fill your stockings if you’re all still awake.”
Portia and Perry scrambled up the stairs; they still believed in St. Nick. The older children bid everyone a goodnight and went up to bed as well.
“Can I get anyone anything?” Thea asked.
Everyone shook their heads tiredly. “Then let’s fill the stockings and go to bed ourselves. We’ve a long day tomorrow.”